The Beat goes on – pioneering Gwent heart charity celebrates 40 years of cardiac rehab!

A pioneering and trail blazing Gwent Charity that helped fund the very first cardiac rehab programme in Wales, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year!

Since 1985, Gwent Cardiac Rehab Trust Fund, a local charity founded 40 years ago by Ron and Gaynor Colbourne, has been at the forefront, helping those who have experienced heart problems across Gwent regain quality of life after a cardiac diagnosis.

Jill Evans said “40 years ago I was determined to bring Cardiac Rehab to Wales having witnessed it first hand at St. Georges Hospital in London. The improvement in the patients really sold it to me as I was seeing the difference this approach was making to their recovery.

She continued: ‘All I needed now was some dedicated fundraising expertise – and in came Ron and Gaynor! Through their tireless support through various fundraising escapades, we managed to persuade St Woolos’s Cardiac Dept to take a chance on this innovative and groundbreaking approach – and 40 years on our Rehab Service has now set the standard for similar cardiac programmes accepted and replicated all over Wales and the UK!”

Founder  Gaynor Colbourne said “I was Clerk on our Coronary Care Unit when Jill approached me and I was totally sold on the idea – Ron and I had fundraising experience so we were more than willing to get stuck in! “

She added: “ I’m enormously proud that the fundraising efforts Ron and I started all those years ago, are continuing to this day. In the early days we used to take part in all sorts of crazy fundraising stunts! Many of our supporters now run marathons, hold coffee mornings and organise bucket collections but we really don’t mind how people raise money to help us – within reason of course!”.

Jill continued: “The Rehab programme and Trust will always be very much a family affair, with great support from patient’s husbands, wives, partners, and children.  They are alongside us every step of the way, which means the trust and rehab programme continues to go from strength to strength!”

The  charity is dedicated to supporting hospital and community based cardiac rehabilitation programmes – a vital part of the recovery process for both patients and family. The money raised promotes cardiac rehabilitation in hospitals such as Pontypool County, Abergavenny Nevill Hall and at its base in Newport’s St. Woolos –  and of course, the local community.

Current Chair Brian Begg said “Cardiac Rehab is a vital part of the recovery process for both patients and family. The Charity helps support a wide range of cardiac rehab initiatives in the Torfaen, Newport, Caerphilly and Monmouthshire areas, such as grants to local community groups, support for trainers to receive qualifications enabling them to work with cardiac patients, equipment for groups, up to date specialised training for nurses and sponsoring important research. Ultimately, we’re helping those who have experienced heart problems in Gwent, regain quality of life after a cardiac diagnosis”

If you would like to donate to this great local charity supporting the community, please donate here: Gwent Cardiac Rehabilitation Trust Fund – JustGiving